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DCEO Illinois Energy Office is working with electric and natural gas utilities to offer a portfolio of energy efficiency programs to achieve targeted annual energy savings goals. Incentives are available to customers in Ameren Illinois and ComEd electric service areas and Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas natural gas service areas.
DCEO provides incentives for energy efficiency measures installed at public sector facilities including: public schools, community colleges, public universities, local, state and federal government facilities.
Where the public sector facility is located in Ameren Illinois or ComEd electric service areas, facility is eligible for electric efficiency incentives for those measures that produce electric savings. Measures include; lighting, electric HVAC equipment, motors, electric kitchen equipment. Where the public sector facility is located in Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas natural gas service areas, facility is eligible for natural gas efficiency incentives for those measures that produce natural gas savings. Measures include; natural gas HVAC equipment, natural gas water heaters, natural gas kitchen equipment. Where the public sector facility is located in both a participating electric service area and natural gas service area, facility is eligible for both electric and natural gas efficiency incentives.
Residential, commercial, industrial and non-profit organizations are eligible for energy efficiency incentives from their participating utility provider:
Ameren Illinois Act on Energy Programs www.ActOnEnergy.com
ComEd Smart Ideas Programs www.comed.com
Nicor Gas http://www.nicorgasrebates.com
North Shores Gas http://www.northshoregasdelivery.com
Peoples Gas http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/
For further information on the legislation, background and history, visit the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) site at www.ileeps.org or refer to the DCEO Electric Efficiency Portfolio Fact Sheet.
ISBE School Energy Efficiency
Public Sector Energy Efficiency
Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs Started June 2011
Low Income Housing Energy Efficiency
Market Transformation: Technical Assistance, Education and Training
ISBE School Energy Efficiency Grants
Beginning October 12, 2010, all school districts, charter schools, vocational centers or public university laboratory schools are eligible to apply for Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Energy Efficiency Grants. The instructions can be found at ISBE’s website at http://www.isbe.state.il.us/sbss/ee_grants.htm. The ISBE Energy Efficiency Grants are a dollar for dollar state matching grant program providing up to $250,000 for energy efficiency projects in schools. The grants can be used for insulation, windows, doors, energy controls, lighting, energy recovery, energy conservation, alternative energy systems and other projects designed to reduce energy consumption.
For more information and assistance, please contact Kimberly Beachy with the School Business Services Division at (217) 785-8779.
Matching Funds
Schools are required to identify matching funds prior to receipt of ISBE Energy Efficiency grants. Projects may be eligible for matching funds from the Public Sector Electric Efficiency program outlined below if they meet the eligibility criteria. If you are unsure if your school is eligible, either review DCEO 2011-2012 Public Sector Energy Efficiency Guidelines or contact Agnes Mrozowski, DCEO, at (217) 524-0933.
Public Sector Energy Efficiency
Public Sector Natural Gas Boiler Tune-Up Special Offering Through May 15, 2012
The Tune-Up Sale provides cash incentives for projects that increase the energy efficiency of local governments, municipal corporations, public school districts, community college districts, public universities, and state/federal facilities located in the service territories of Ameren Illinois (“Ameren”), Nicor Gas (“Nicor”), Peoples Gas (“Peoples”), and/or North Shore Gas (“North Shore”).
The Sale encourages the owners of Natural Gas Boilers to invest in a Boiler Tune-Up conducted by a qualified contractor. The Tune-Up should result, on average, in a 6 to 10% efficiency gain in the operation of the boiler resulting in payback periods in most cases of less than six months. While conducting the Boiler Tune-Up, the program encourages the contractors to look for further energy savings opportunities within the boiler system. Mechanical (pipe) insulation repair/installment and steam trap repair/replacements both qualify for incentives under this Sale. Other energy saving measures (not covered under this program offering), can also be identified by the contractors and incentives for these measures can be applied for separately through the DCEO Standard or Custom Programs.
Download Application (pdf)
Download Application (Word)
For steam Traps Reporting Spreadsheet Click here
For link to Pipe Insulation Reporting Tool Click here
About Boiler Tune-Up PPT
For more information, contact:
Stefano Galiasso,
Energy Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago
(312) 996-8646 or boiler@uic.edu
New 2011-2012 Illinois Energy Now Public Sector Energy Efficiency program updates:
One set of 2011-2012 Guidelines for all public sectors:
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Local Government (county, township, municipal, public safety, water and park districts)
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Public K-12 Schools
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Community Colleges
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State and Federal Government
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Public Universities
New natural gas efficiency incentives are integrated with exisiting electric efficiency incentives. Natural gas incentives are available to those public sector entities in Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas natural gas service areas. Electric incentives are available to those public sector entities in Ameren Illinois and ComEd electric service areas.
Energy efficiency projects include but are not limited to, lighting retrofits, de-lamping and permanent fluorescent lamp removal, as well as new lighting fixtures, HVAC, natural gas water heaters, kitchen equipment, occupancy sensors, computerized energy control systems, and other projects designed to reduce electric and/or natural gas consumption.
2011-2012 Program Year 4 Guidelines and Application available now for Illinois Energy Now Public Sector Electric and Natural Gas Efficiency Programs (for projects completed June 1, 2011 – May 31, 2012).
Illinois Energy Now PY4 2011-2012 PSEE Updates webinar powerpoint.
Filleable Forms in Excel. For further information see Public Sector Energy Efficiency Program
Please Check here for Funding Availability before proceeding with Application for Illinois Energy Now Public Sector Standard and Custom Incentive Programs.
Table 1. Funding Availability June 1, 2011
Standard and Custom Incentive Programs
The Standard Incentive Program provides set incentive levels for common retrofits for Lighting, HVAC and Water Heaters, Motors and variable frequency drive controls, and Kitchen equipment. The Custom Incentive Program provides incentives for energy efficiency improvements not listed in the Standard Incentive Program.
For Lighting projects please submit a Light Survey containing the required information. Please submit spreadsheet or use fillable Light Survey form.
For T-8 Fluorescent lamp retrofits, lamps and ballast must be listed in the CEE (Consortium for Energy Efficiency) High Performance T-8 Qualifying Lamps and Ballasts or Reduced Wattage T-8 Qualifying Lamps and Ballasts lists.
New Construction Program
Provides grants to public sector entities to encourage applicants to design new or rehabbed buildings to achieve the greatest level of energy efficiency. The program offers incentives for facility design improvements beyond code. Buildings seeking LEED certification will qualify for a design bonus on beyond code performance. Estimated energy savings must be documented by energy modeling and/or supporting calculations. This program is part of the Illinois Energy Efficiency Portfolio and is limited to Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Peoples, Nicor and North Shore utility service territories. The New Construction Program is managed by the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC).
New Construction Guidelines and Application
DCEO contact: Tom Coe, 217/785-2433 or visit the SEDAC New Construction Program web site.
Retro-commissioning Program
Provides funding to identify and implement low cost tune-ups and adjustments that improve the efficiency of existing public buildings’ operating systems by returning them to intended operation or design specifications, with a focus on building controls and HVAC systems. Retro-commissioning services will be delivered through a network of commissioning providers that have been trained in program protocols and participation processes. This program is part of the Illinois Energy Efficiency Portfolio and is limited to ComEd and Ameren Illinois electric service territories. The Retro-commissioning Program is managed by the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC).
DCEO contact: Tom Coe, 217/785-2433 or visit the SEDAC Retro-commissioning Program web site.
Energy Efficiency Aggregation Program
During Program Year 2011-2012, the Aggregation Program will serve as a pilot project testing a new deliver channel to hard-to-reach customers. Applications for this program are currently being accepted for projects that focus on combining energy efficiency projects within a designated market sector in order to simplify the overall application process, quickly deliver energy efficiency savings, and capture projects that might not otherwise be submitted as standalone projects. The market sectors include units of local governments (including municipal corporations), community colleges, and K through 12 schools located in the service territories of ComEd (electric), Ameren Illinois (electric and natural gas), Nicor Gas (natural gas), Peoples Gas (natural gas), or North Shore Gas (natural gas). Applications are due by 4:30 pm on July 11, 2011. Please click here for program guidelines and application.
Other Sources
Residential, commercial, industrial and non-profit organizations are eligible for energy efficiency incentives from their participating utility provider:
Ameren Illinois Act on Energy Programs www.ActOnEnergy.com
ComEd Smart Ideas Programs www.comed.com
Nicor Gas http://www.nicorgasrebates.com/bus-customer/bus-cust-overview
North Shores Gas http://www.chicagolandrebates.com/non-residential
Peoples Gas http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/business/default.aspx
Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) members are eligible for the IMEA Electric Efficiency Program
Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation www.illinoiscleanenergy.org/
Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs
The Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs authorized by Public Act 96-0033 began June 1, 2011. New natural gas efficiency incentives are integrated with existing electric efficiency incentives in the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programs.
Designation as Self-Directing Customer or Exempt Customer
Customers seeking to be designated by the Department as a self-directing customer (SDC) or as an Exempt Customer under the Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs shall submit an application on or before February 1, 2010. A new customer that commences taking service from a natural gas utility after February 1, 2010 may apply up to 30 days after beginning service. Thereafter, applications may be made not less than 6 months before the triennial filing date of the gas utility energy efficiency plans. Click here for a copy of the Application for Designation as Self-Directing Customer or Exempt Customer.
Low Income Energy Efficiency
Public Housing Authority: Efficient Living Program
Under Illinois Public Act 95-0481: DCEO, ComEd, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas, and Peoples Gas are required to develop a portfolio of energy efficiency programs to achieve certain annual energy savings goals in Illinois buildings. Improving energy efficiency in low income housing is another goal of the programs. Both DCEO and SEDAC believe that housing must be energy efficient to be truly affordable and livable. The Efficient Living Illinois PHA Energy Project initiated in 2009 provides grants to Illinois Public Housing Authorities to upgrade and/or include energy efficient building practices in their buildings.
How can Public Housing Authority: Efficient Living program help your housing authority?
Free technical on-site services to identify opportunities for saving energy and money.
- Education and training for PHA staff and residents.
- Information on energy efficiency incentives for Ameren Illinois (Act on Energy) , ComEd (Smart Ideas), Nicor, Peoples, and North Shore Gas service customers.
- Information on federal and state incentives and energy policies, Illinois building energy codes, and sources of loans and grants.
Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program
DCEO believes that affordable housing must be energy efficient to be truly affordable. DCEO has led this effort through the Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program initiated in 1988. Under this Program, grants are provided to Illinois based non-profit and for-profit housing developers to include energy efficient building practices in the rehab or new construction of affordable housing units. Average energy savings range from 50% to 75%. Click here for the guidelines and application.
Residential Retrofit Energy Efficiency Program
Applications are currently being accepted until 4:30 pm on October 28, 2011. Under the Residential Retrofit Energy Efficiency Program, grants are provided to Illinois based low income weatherization or low income home improvement program applicants to fund projects that result in the installation of energy efficiency measures in existing residential buildings. The objective of this effort is to leverage existing programs to maximize electricity savings in low income residences. Click here for the guidelines and application.
Market Transformation: Technical Assistance, Education and Training
Building Industry Training and Education Program
• Guidelines and Application Applications due by 4:30 pm on June 15, 2011.
• The Illinois Energy Office is seeking applications for projects that focus on low income implementation assistance or professional training assistance that may be applied to a statewide, regional, or sector-based area.
• Building Industry Training & Education (B.I.T.E.) Training & Education Grantees
Smart Energy Design Assistance
DCEO partners with the University of Illinois School of Architecture in order to provide technical assistance services to businesses, federal, state and local government, public schools, community colleges, public universities and colleges to assist clients who are considering energy efficiency improvements at existing facilities or to enhance baseline design of new facilities.
Large-customer Energy Analysis Program (LEAP)
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administers the Large-customer Energy Analysis Program (LEAP) to reduce the cost of doing business in Illinois by reducing energy costs for large energy users (with annual energy expenditures of $500,000 or more), such as manufacturers, hospitals, large commercial buildings, universities, and local governments.
Energy Performance Contracting Program
Energy Performance Contracting is an innovative arrangement for designing, installing and financing energy improvement projects where the savings achieved by the project are guaranteed to amortize the cost of the project over the term of the agreement.
Lights for Learning Program - A BRIGHT IDEA!
LIGHTS FOR LEARNING – A BRIGHT IDEA!!! The Lights for Learning fundraiser is a great way to raise money for your school or organization by having students sell energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Light (CFLs) bulbs. CFLs can last up to 10 times as long as an incandescent bulb while using 75% less energy. Schools or organizations earn a 50% profit and a free educational assembly or classroom presentation about energy conservation.
WHAT EDUCATORS ARE SAYING ABOUT LIGHTS FOR LEARNING
“This fundraiser had a product everyone could, should use, and needed. We were helping the environment and educating people about conserving energy.” - St. Mary’s School, Metamora
“I felt that the sale was environmentally friendly, educational material fit into the curriculum well, and invited questions and got students to investigate answers.” – Fulton City High School, Fulton
“We enjoyed participating in this fundraiser, for it was a combination of fundraising and reducing energy use and reducing carbon dioxide release.” – Keith Country Day School, Rockford
MORE LIGHTS FOR LEARNING INFORMATION?
www.lights4learning.org
Sources of Energy Professionals, Vendors, Contractors
For help finding energy professionals and vendors there are 3 sources for you to utilize:
- SEDAC (Smart Energy Design Assistance Center) Energy Services Providers
- Ameren Illinois Provider Trade Allies
- ComEd Trade Allies
Recycling Fluorescent Lamps
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency information on managing used fluorescent lamps and high-intensity-discharge lamps.